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Spring in their Step

News Feature

News & Events

September 26, 2012

Dr. Nancy Moses has been teaching dance at BSU for 28 years. Yet, this fall marks the first full semester she and her students have a place to call their own, with the opening of BSU’s new and improved dance studio.

Until last semester, when the studio opened officially, the dance program held classes and rehearsals in several areas around campus not equipped for dancers, including the Burnell Hall gym, now home to the permanent studio. “It feels good to no longer be a nomad,” said Dr. Moses, chair of the Department of Theater and Dance.

Updates to the studio include a padded spring-loaded floor, safer for dancers than the gym's old rubber over cement, and a high-tech sound system, so students no longer have to carry around portable boom boxes. “It really makes everything safer and easier,” said Dr. Moses.

There’s one other seemingly minor addition that makes a major difference: mirrors. Having mirrors helps students study and perfect their form, said Dr. Moses. “It’s visual feedback,” she said. “Technique will certainly improve.”

In agreement with his teacher is Chris Siciliano, a veteran dancer and the current stage manager who has experienced working in the renovated venue, as well as the old way of the program. He said the dedicated space, which retained its central sliding divider, also cuts out distractions and helps him and the dancers focus more on practice. “It no longer takes away from the dance,” he said.

Along with tangible updates, the studio provides an atmosphere of fun and professionalism, said Dr. Moses. “It’s very uplifting,” she said. “It makes us really want to work hard at our craft.” (Rob Matheson, ’07, G ’12, University Advancement)